Colorado Nonprofits OST Grant

Overview

High-quality out-of-school time programs provide academic enrichment in reading, language arts, mathematics, and science, and provide programs and services that are designed to reinforce and complement school-based academic programs in a safe and healthy environment for students. It is necessary to support high-quality out-of-school time programs as an investment in the academic enrichment and well-being of the children of Colorado.

The Colorado Nonprofits Out-of-School Time grant program, authorized by HB 24-1331, seeks to provide funds to eligible entities that provide out-of-school time programs that are affordable and comprehensive to students who are enrolled in a public school.

Out-of-School Time programs are available to students who are enrolled in a public school in kindergarten through twelfth grade and provide affordable and comprehensive academic enrichment and related services during times when school is not in session, including before school, after school, seasonal breaks, staff in-service days, staff conference days, or the fifth day of the week if the program serves students who are enrolled in a public school that operates on a four-day week. Funded Out-of-School Time programs must be evidence-informed and high-quality, and must provide:

• academic enrichment,
• opportunities for development in literacy, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other subject matters for students and families,
• a safe learning environment and resources to increase student engagement in school and reduce chronic absenteeism,
• programs and services that provide a well-rounded education and are designed to reinforce and complement school-based academic programs, including youth development activities, art, music, outdoor programs, recreational programs, technology education programs, physical health activities, and social and emotional wellness services, and
• opportunities to develop meaningful workforce readiness and life skills.

Grant Applications

The grant competition for Colorado Nonprofits Out-of-School Time grant program is now open and will close on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 4 pm. 

The following application materials are intended to be used as a reference for instructions and grant application planning purposes.

• Request for Application (Word) - updated November 15, 2024 with changes marked in red
• Application Walkthrough Recording 
• State Performance Measures Crosswalk
• GAINS Budgeting Quick Guide
• Weekly Office Hours on Thursdays at 9 am 
  • November 7, 2024 
  • November 14, 2024 
• FAQs-updated 12/4/24

Applications for the Colorado Nonprofits Out-of-School Time Grant Program must be submitted through GAINS. Submission of application materials either in hard copy or via e-mail will not be accepted. Eligible entities who wish to apply for this funding opportunity can complete the Non-District Organization GAINS Access Request Form.  

To be eligible to receive a grant, an entity:

• must be a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation pursuant to section 501 (c)(3) of the federal "internal revenue code of 1986", as amended, and
• have at least five years’ experience providing affordable and comprehensive academic enrichment and related services to students in the state.

Eligible applicants may, but are not required to, have a partnership with a school district in which the entity will provide affordable and comprehensive academic enrichment and related services to students.

Questions?

Anna Young, Out-of-School Time Manager
Young_a@cde.state.co.us | 720-614-8666